Best 7 Mold Resistant Paints in 2022

Mold is every homeowner’s worst nightmare! From the unsightly green and black mass that covers the walls, ceilings and floors, to the rancid smell that flows through the home, mold is a terrible problem to have. The good news is that you can kill mold and ensure that it never returns. Mold resistant paint will also help protect your dwelling place for years at a time. Here are some of the best on the market.

OUR FAVORITES

Runner Up Rust-Oleum Mold Killing Primer	Extends the life and durability of paint Binds with chalky siding, metal and masonry Works well on difficult surfaces	CHECK PRICE →

TOP PICK RUST-OLEM White Perma Interior Paint	Very little odor Long-lasting Provides powerful protection against mold	CHECK PRICE →

Easy and Simple RUST-OLEUM Mildew Proof Exterior Paint	Resistant to fade Also works as a primer Resistant to moisture and dirt	CHECK PRICE →

7 Best Mold Resistant Paints you can get now

Here’s a list of some of the best mold resistant paints to ensure mold never returns to your home again:

PHOTO	PRODUCT
TOP PICK	RUST-OLEM White Perma Interior Paint Low-odor formula, ideal for painting your interior walls. It dries very fast within 30 minutes, creating a washable semi-gloss finish.	CHECK PRICE →
Runner Up	Rust-Oleum Mold Killing Primer Water-based coating, easy to wash, with easy dry to the touch within 30 minutes. Protective primer formulated to kill mold, fungi, and odor-causing bacteria on interior and exterior surfaces.	CHECK PRICE →
Easy and Simple	RUST-OLEUM Mildew Proof Exterior Paint Water-based formula for a semi-gloss finish to all exterior surfaces, with simple, easy to use kit.	CHECK PRICE →
Ready to Use	KILZ Premium High Hide Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer The powerful stain-blocking formula for surface sealing, helping to achieve a uniform finish. Excellent adhesion for most surfaces, usable for interior and exterior spaces.	CHECK PRICE →
Great Bonding Primer	KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Exterior Primer Essential coating to ensure high adhesion on tough-to-paint surfaces. Usable for most surfaces, quick to dry within 30 minutes after applying.	CHECK PRICE →
Top Mold & Mildew-Proof	Zinsser Quart Satin Gloss Perma-White Easy to use simple kit, a self-priming formula that requires no sanding, guaranteed mold prof for up to 5 years.	CHECK PRICE →
Great Alternative	RUST-OLEM Ultra Matte Chalked Paint Usable on a variety of surfaces, low-odor latex formula that is easily cleanable. Fast-drying, providing excellent adhesion and application with minimal preparation.	CHECK PRICE →

1. RUST-OLEM White Perma Interior Paint – Top Pick

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This is the perfect solution for painting areas such as laundry rooms, closets, kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. The paint dries within 30 minutes, leaving behind a semi-glossy finish for easy cleaning. It strongly resists antimicrobial growth, and is moisture and stain resistant.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 1 quart

Pros:

• Very little odor
• Long-lasting
• Provides powerful protection against mold

Cons:

• For those with a sensitive sense of smell, the odor can be a strong one.

2. Rust-Oleum Mold Killing Primer – Runner Up

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This water-based primer provides a powerful protective coating. It can be used to paint over fungal organisms such as mildew, mold and moss. It dries within 30 minutes, and users can recoat it within an hour.  Any topcoat will work with it.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 1 Quart

Pros: 

• Binds with chalky siding, metal and masonry
• Extends the life and durability of paint
• Works well on difficult surfaces

Cons: 

• Bubbles form in some areas

3. RUST-OLEUM Mildew Proof Exterior Paint

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Use this exterior paint to go over any surface without sanding or priming. This water-based formula provides a semi-gloss finish and effectively hides dark stains left from mold and mildew. The smell is very light, and it’s easily applied with a sprayer, roller, or a brush.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 126 Fl Oz

Pros:

• Resistant to fade
• Resistant to moisture and dirt
• Also works as a primer

Cons: 

• In some areas you can still see the mold stains through the paint.

4. KILZ Premium High Hide Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer

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A water-based paint that works on both exterior and interior surfaces. It covers previous colors and hides stains to provide a uniform finish. This paint eliminates small imperfections, and seals porous surfaces.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 946 ml

5. KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Exterior Primer

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An excellent top coat that bonds to the majority of difficult surfaces. It can be used under epoxies and reduces the need for sanding. This paint is ideal for metals, plastics, PVC, vinyl, fiberglass, laminates, tile, glass, and more.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 1 quart

Pros: 

• Dries within 30 minutes, ready for a recoat within 60 minutes
• Bonds securely on slick surfaces
• A unique latex primer

Cons: 

• Has a tendency to not adhere well in some spots

6. Zinsser Quart Satin Gloss Perma-White

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Protecting against mold and mildew for up to five years; this water based solution goes a long way, and is perfect for indoor use. It also provides full coverage over any discoloration.

Pros:

• Long lasting, so no need for continuous repaints
• Good value for money

Cons: 

• Has a tendency to bleed back

7. RUST-OLEM Ultra Matte Chalked Paint

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For use on a range of interior surfaces such as canvas, ceramic, metal, and wood. This latex formula is dry within 30 minutes and provides a smooth, ultra-matte, velvety finish.

Style: Ready to use

Size: 30 Fl Oz

Pros: 

• Minimal mess, easy clean up with soap and water
• Low odor
• Easy application with minimal prep

Cons: 

• Dries off yellow on some surfaces

How Do Anti Mold Paints Work

Mold resistant paint will treat mold by restricting its growth. Once the mold has been killed and the area has been painted over, it is unlikely to grow back as long as the necessary precautions are taken.

Fungicides: Fungicides kill both the spores and the fungus. It’s a form of biocidal chemical compound, the benzisothiazolone component stops the growth of black mold. It also prevents further growth because of its growth inhibiting properties.

Microbicide: The purpose of microbicides is to destroy viruses and bacteria, and stop them from growing back. In bathrooms you can find a slimy pink substance on shower curtains, walls, ceilings, and in between tiles. This type of bacteria is known as serratia marcescens, and microbicides help to eliminate this.

How to Apply Mold Resistant Paint

To experience the benefits of mold resistant paint, you’ll need to apply it in the right way. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

Step 1: Before you begin, make sure your mold problem has been taken care of.

Step 2: Next, you’re going to need to clean the walls using a solution of water and bleach. Prepare by adding one cup of bleach to three cups of water. The instructions on your mold resistant paint will tell you exactly how to carry out this step.

Step 3: Be sure to wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles, because bleach can irritate the skin and cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Step 4: Before applying the bleach, whether you’ve got a wooden floor or carpet, lay down some plastic to protect it. Leave the bleach to dry before continuing.

Step 5: Use a mold killing primer to prime the area and seal any stains that have been left. Leave the primer to dry.

Step 6: Once the primer has dried, use the mold resistant paint to paint over the area.

Which Rooms to Paint

Mold is generally isolated to certain areas of the home, which means there is no need to paint every room in the house to be mold resistant. The basement, kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms are the main culprits, so it makes sense to start with these areas. If you live in a very damp location, you may need to use mold resistant paint in your living room and bedrooms.

Which rooms to paint will depend on how moist the air is, and the extent of the mold problem that you have in your home. It is also important to mention that if you paint the basement, you may also need to paint the floor and the ceiling. Your aim is to ensure mold doesn’t attack your home again, so taking such preventative measures will provide an extra layer of protection.

Painting Over Mold

Painting over mold is a quick fix, but it’s a bad idea. Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t paint over mold:

Mold is Alive: Mold is not a stain or a mark on the wall that you can paint over and make disappear. It’s a living organism that keeps growing; so even if you paint over it, eventually it will resurface. To get rid of mold, you’ve got to deal with the root of the problem.

Aesthetic Reasons: Mold is not flat, it has a bumpy, slimy surface, and this makes it difficult for the paint to bond to the wall and dry evenly. Your paint job won’t look very nice, as it will have an unattractive raised effect.

Won’t Kill Mold: Anti mold paints don’t kill mold, they prevent fungus growth instead. This means it won’t do anything to the mold that’s already there, except cover it up.

A More Serious Issue: You likely don’t know the extent of the mold in your home, and by covering it up and not tackling the root of the problem, there is a possibility that you’re ignoring something serious.

Dried Mold is Still Active

Mold is usually damp and slimy; therefore, the assumption is that when its spores dry out, the mold is dead. This is not the case, when mold spores are dry, they’re inactive temporarily. Nevertheless, they can still cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Also, because mold spores are so light, they can become airborne, which means they can spread to other parts of the home.

The Causes of Mold

Mold can grow anywhere, but it’s typically found in areas such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms, cabinets, and near ducting areas or pipes. In moist conditions, mold can spread very quickly. There are several causes of mold, here are some of the most common:

Mold Spores: Mold spores are invisible, and they come into the house from outside. It’s very difficult to remove mold spores from the house because you can’t see them.

Food Source: Mold feeds off certain elements, and there are plenty of things in the home that mold considers a food source. It feeds off the organic materials found on wallboards and wood panels. It also feeds off dirt and dust that are invisible to the naked eye. Mold feeds off luggage and clothes, the back of gypsum sheetrock, and the residue found on smooth tile surfaces. It also loves damp fabrics, newspapers and cardboard. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of food sources for mold because in most cases, you can’t see them.

A Lack of Sunlight: Mold does not like direct sunlight because its ultraviolet rays ruin the mold’s cellular structure. Outside, mold isn’t found in places where it can be exposed to light. It’s typically found underneath something. Indoor lighting doesn’t have the same negative effect on mold because it’s not natural light.

Poor Ventilation: A poorly ventilated home will cause mold and mold spores to spread and grow because they thrive in stagnant air. Steam created by bathing, cooking, and appliances creates humidity, and leaves surfaces sticky and damp, which is perfect for mold to grow.

Leaking Air Conditioning: A leaking air conditioning system causes the growth of a type of mold called Mucor. It grows in white, thick patches underneath a leaking air conditioning system. Mucor also grows when there is a condensation build-up.

Damp and Wet Clothing: When damp clothes are left out without being hung out to dry, they can also cause mold. Mold can grow and spread within just 24 hours, so leaving damp clothes out for a full day is not ideal.

Constant Humidity: In some areas, humidity is consistently high, which increases the likelihood of a mold outbreak. This type of mold typically grows under the kitchen sink, in dark closets, on ceilings, and on walls. Homes near large bodies of water such oceans and rivers are prone to mold infestations, and this is intensified by a lack of ventilation.

The Dangers of Mold in the Home

There is more to mold than a bad smell and an unsightly appearance, it is extremely dangerous. People who live in mold infested homes are more likely to suffer from asthma, allergies, or respiratory infections. Mold can also have a negative impact on the immune system. Elderly people, children, babies, those who suffer from eczema, respiratory problems, and people with weakened immune systems are especially sensitive to the effects of mold.

Molds produce irritants, allergens, and depending on the extent of the mold, toxic substances. Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause an allergic reaction such as a skin rash, red eyes, a runny nose, or sneezing. In more extreme cases, it can cause asthma attacks.

How to Prevent Mold 

When it comes to mold in the home, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it would be wise to take the necessary precautions now to prevent mold growth. Here are some tips to do just that:

Use a Dehumidifier: As mentioned, one of the primary causes of mold is constant humidity. A dehumidifier will reduce the humidity levels and create an environment that doesn’t encourage mold. Ideally, humidity levels should be kept as low as possible, between 30-50% throughout the day is ideal. It is also important to mention that humidity levels fluctuate throughout the day, so you’ll need to check them throughout the day.

Clean Extractor Fans: Extractor fans filter bad odors and humidity outside; but clogged extractor fans lose their efficiency. By having them cleaned and serviced regularly, they will remain in good working order.

Dry Clothes Outside: Drying your clothes inside without ventilation is a recipe for disaster. The moisture from the clothes will evaporate and settle on the walls and ceilings, which will eventually cause mold. If you live in an apartment building and it’s not possible to dry clothes outside, invest in a tumble dryer.

Spring Clean: The more clutter you have in your home, especially with your belongings that are stuffed in wardrobes, and cupboards, the less space there is for air to circulate, and low air circulation encourages mold.

Shut Your Doors: Bathrooms and kitchens are common areas for mold. When these rooms are in use, for example when having a shower, close the door, and this will help contain the moisture and prevent spreading.

Open Windows: If you live in a cold environment, it can be tempting to keep the windows closed. But you should ventilate your house as much as possible. As mentioned, bathrooms and kitchens are prone to mold, so when these areas are in use, keep the windows open so that moisture can flow out of the house. Alternatively, instead of opening your windows, you can have air vents fitted into them.

Fix Leaks: As mentioned, mold thrives in moist environments, if you have any leaks in your home, get them fixed immediately.

Cleaning: When cleaning your bathroom, use mold-killing products.

What to do When You Find Mold in Your Home

Here are the steps you will need to take when you find mold in your home:

Step 1: Find the Source: Anywhere you find mold, you will also find water. You may have a clogged drain, or a leaky pipe, wherever the water is coming from, fix it. You may need to call a plumber if the water source is not something you can handle.

Step 2: What is the Extent? According to The Federal Emergency Measures Agency, any area bigger than 25 square feet requires a professional.

Step 3: Dry the Mold: Drying won’t kill mold, but it will help keep it under control. Get the air moving by opening windows, doors, or buy some fans.

Disinfect and Clean the Mold: Give the area a once over with soapy water, then use a solution that kills living organisms such as bleach or vinegar.

Dispose of Contaminated Items: Whether they’re your favorite tennis shoes or item of clothing, if it’s been contaminated, get rid of it. Mold is alive and it multiplies, and if these items are still in your home, you’ll continue to have a mold problem.

Natural Methods to Get Rid of Mold

If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals to get rid of your mold problem, there are several natural methods you can use, they are as follows:

• Lemons: Lemons are acidic, they will break down mold and clean the surface at the same time because lemons are natural cleaners, stain removers, bleach, antiseptic, and deodorant. You will need the juice of five lemons, squeeze the lemon juice into cups, pour it onto the moldy area, let it soak in for five minutes, and then wipe. If the mold stains are tough, you can repeat the process, but scrub the area. 

• Essential Oils: Essential oils are for more than just aromatherapy. Tea tree oil is an antiseptic, a deodorizer, and an insect repellant. It is also a natural fungicide, and it will prevent mold from coming back. To treat mold with tea tree oil, combine one cup of water, and one teaspoon of tea tree oil in a spray bottle, shake to blend and then spray it over the mold.
• Leave the mixture to dry on the mold for an hour, and then use a cloth to wipe it down. If you’re dealing with stubborn mold stains, then repeat the process, but scrub the area instead.

• Grapefruit Seed Extract: Grapefruit seed extract contains a variety of compounds that kill bacteria. Similar to lemons, its acidic content breaks down the mold and stops it from growing back.

Mold and Mildew – What’s the Difference

Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, but they are slightly different. Mildew is a member of the mold family, but it grows on flat surfaces in a downy or powdery form. Mildew is typically found in the kitchen, bathroom, organic materials, paper, and damp and wet areas. Both mold and mildew can cause significant damage to a house, and mildew also has the potential to cause health problems.

Like mold, mildew has a musty and damp smell, you will see dark patches on the walls, ceilings, or around windows. Due to high levels of water, painted areas will also start looking bubbly.

Contact a Mold Specialist

It can be tempting to want to take care of the mold problem in your home yourself. You can do your research and use your own judgement to determine the extent of the issue, but there’s a chance that it’s beneath the walls, and you won’t have the tools to deal with it.

And since mold can be a serious health hazard, it’s best advised that you contact a professional, as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to quickly eliminate the problem before it gets out of hand. A Google search will help you find a specialist in your area, but make sure you check out their reviews before going ahead. You can also ask a friend or a family member for a referral.

Final Thought

Mold is a serious problem, as mentioned, and it can severely damage your health if left untreated. Mold is typically smelt before it’s seen, so if you smell it, get an expert in immediately to determine the extent of the infestation. Once you’ve gotten rid of it, use mold resistant paint to prevent it from coming back.

FAQs

Cody

Cody is a fulltime blogger and gardener. His favorite activity to relax after a long day of writing is taking care of his plants and garden. For the past few years he have spent more time in the garden than inside so if there is one man you should take advice from its our dear Cody.